November events in Bulgarica Cultural Center
In November, the Bulgarica Cultural Center once again became a stage where the Bulgarian community in Chicago could celebrate, remember, and create culture in every sense of the word.
11 Years of Bulgarica – A Celebration of Community
On November 15, 2025, Bulgarica Cultural Center marked its eleventh anniversary in the beautiful hall of Manzo’s Banquets. The celebration brought together friends, supporters, and partners – people who, in one way or another, have helped the Center travel this long path from a bold beginning to an established home of Bulgarian spirit overseas.
The evening was filled with laughter, dancing, and reunions with familiar and new faces. Sonia Membrenio, Project D.B.K., and DJ Rusi created a special atmosphere that not only brought us back to Bulgaria for a moment but also drew us to the dance floor to show off our moves.
The Consul General of the Republic of Bulgaria in Chicago, Mr. Svetoslav Stankov, honored the event and once again expressed his support for everyone who keeps Bulgarian spirit alive abroad. On behalf of the State Agency for Bulgarians Abroad, he presented honorary certificates to three remarkable women – Ana Ilieva, Emilia Ivanova, and Radost Dzheneva – nominated in the “Bulgarian Woman of the Year – St. Zlata of Meglen” competition.
This recognition highlights the enormous contribution each of them makes to the development and cohesion of the Bulgarian community in Chicago.We extend special thanks to all guests from other Bulgarian dance ensembles and organizations who shared the celebration with us. Your presence turned the evening into a truly unifying event for the entire community.
Memory and History: 100 Years Since the Petrich War
Just a few days earlier, on November 9, 2025, the hall of Bulgarica Center in Mount Prospect hosted a special historical lecture dedicated to the 100th anniversary of the Petrich War. The event was organized by MPO “Pirin” – Chicago and the Macedono-Bulgarian Foundation “Goce Delchev” and brought together people for whom history is not just a page in a textbook, but living memory.
Guests had the opportunity to learn more about the causes, course, and heroes of this conflict, remembered in history as the “Petrich Incident,” as well as about the role of the international community and the significance of these events for the town of Petrich. The lecture was free to attend because memory and knowledge should be accessible to everyone – especially to those who carry Bulgaria in their hearts while living far from their homeland.
15 Years of the League of Bulgarian Writers in the USA and Around the World
From the culture of dance and history, we naturally move into the world of the written word. Again on November 15, Bulgarica Cultural Center opened its doors to celebrate the 15th anniversary of the League of Bulgarian Writers in the USA and Around the World (LBWUSW).
The event brought together authors, translators, literature lovers, and supporters of Bulgarian writing. Among the guests was also the Consul General of Bulgaria in Chicago, Mr. Svetoslav Stankov, who congratulated the League for its active role in promoting Bulgarian culture and spirituality around the world.
“Language, memory, and heritage are the three cornerstones that build the emotional architecture of our lives as people who live outside the borders of our homeland. For us, our native language is what unites us; it is the heart of our shared collective memory as Bulgarians and the voice of our identity,” said Dr. Lyudmila Kaloyanova – words that strongly resonated in the hall and reminded everyone how important the mother tongue is for our sense of belonging.
During the celebration, the results of the International Poetry and Prose Contest “Sacred Language” were announced. Chicago-based writers Vasilen Vasevski and Silvia Rankova (prose), as well as Elena Subashov (poetry), and Boyko Antonov from Washington, received their awards in person. Laureates from Bulgaria, Italy, and France sent video messages to the audience, and a particularly emotional moment was the presentation of the League’s highest distinction – the Nike statuette – to Vasil Slavov (Pittsburgh) and Kalina Tomova (Chicago).
Guests had the chance to browse the latest issue of the “Lyuboslov” almanac, published by the League, as well as books by member authors. In the informal part of the evening, conversations, new acquaintances, and creative ideas continued against the backdrop of a lovely reception prepared with the support of our friends from the Malincho store.
One home, many faces of the Bulgarian spirit
Looking at these three events together, we see clearly the role of the Bulgarica Cultural Center – a place where celebration, history, and the written word meet under one roof. From the dance stage and music, through historical memory, to the power of literature – all these expressions spring from the same living Bulgarian spirit in Chicago. Bulgarica continues to be a home for the community – a space where generations, ideas, and stories meet.
We thank all partners, organizations, artists, and friends who share this journey with us. Stay tuned for our news and upcoming events – there are many more reasons ahead to gather, be inspired, and celebrate together.
